HISTORY

HISTORY

Samguk Yusa(Memorabilia of the Three Kingdoms) and

Kim Daeseong (700–774), a chief minister of Silla

The Bulguksa was built in 528, the year
after Buddhism was officially accepted by the Silla Dynasty in the reign of
King Beopheung. In order fulfil the wishes of his mother, Lady Yeongje and his
wife, Queen Gi Yun, he built a temple with the names Beopryusa or Bulguksa.
Later, in 574, the temple was rebuilt by the Lady Jiso who was the mother of
King Jinheung, and it is recorded that statues of Vairocana Buddha and Amita
buddha were added at this time.

In 670, the Museoljeon was constructed and
in 681 statue of Sakuamuni Buddha. In 751, Minister Kim Daesung started
rebuilding. However, he died in 774 before completing the reconstruction. The
government took over and completed Bulguksa as a great temple(according to Samguk yusa, a book on memorabilia of the Three Kingdoms). The grounds of
the temple were divided into five sections: the Daeungjeon, Geungnakjeon,
Birojeon, Gwaneumjeon, and Jijangjeon areas. In addition, there were about 100
Other buildings and facilities. The entire complex went through several
remodeling until eventually most of it was burned to ashes by Japanese pirate
invaders. In 1612, the right and left walkways, a bell tower, and the southem
quarter were rebuilt. By the middle of 1700 the east and west quarters, the central
quarter, and the original layout was nearly restored. From 1963 to 1973, the
Mooseoljeon, Gwaneumjeon, Birojeon, and walkways and corridors were rebuilt and
the Daeungjeon, Beomyeongru, Jahamun and stone platforms were restored to their
present appearence. In 1995, Bulguksa was designated a world cultural heritage
site along with Seokguram by UNESCO. Bulguksa has about 1,400 year of history
and it has been an important Buddhist seminary in Korea. Many venerable monks
such as Euisang, Shinrim, Pyohun, Daehyun, Haeweon, Buseol, Damhwa, Haean,
Taeho, Haejong, Taein, and Weolsan in this temple as head monks.